Currently Loving | The Golden Hour Edit

In between the torrential downpours that we've been having here in the UK (hello Climate Change), there have been these odd little glimpses of sunlight peaking through now and then. As we approach the end of July, I wanted to share a few products that I've been loving lately to celebrate those precious Golden Hour moments and to help brighten your mood if you've been feeling like it'll never stop raining!

The Fruity SPF Lip Balm | Bondi Sands Lip Balm SPF 50+ in Tropical Mango* (10g, £4.99, link)

A delightfully cheap and cheerful lip balm with SPF 50+ protection, Bondi Sands has really hit the ball out of the park with this range. Ideal for dreamy beach days and al fresco picnics with friends, these hydrating lip balms soothe dry lips and come in several different flavours. My current fave is Tropical Mango and I'm also quite fond of the Juicy Watermelon. An absolute bargain for only a fiver.

The Perfume Rollerball | Farryn Amber Perfume Oil Roll On in Floral Oud (10ml, RRP £18)

I'm a huge fan of perfume rollerballs and feel that they truly come into their own during the summer months when you want something small and convenient to throw into your carry-on or beach bag. This one from Farryn Amber is a gorgeous heady floral scent with plenty of musky Oud thrown into the mix.

The Luxury Aromatherapy Treat | Prismologie Rose Quartz + Manganese Comforting Meridian Balm (75ml, prices vary)

I came across this Prismologie aromatherapy treat whilst browsing the beauty section of TK Maxx (a great place to find a whole host of bargains from big and niche brands) and I instantly fell in love with the box packaging. Upon opening it at home, I was delighted to be greeted by the beautiful scent of fresh roses. combined in a chunky twist-up balm stick. This multi-purpose balm wand glides onto the skin and is infused with Rosehip Oil to gently moisturise whilst delivering aromatherapy benefits. A lovely treat for less than a tenner and they had plenty of others to choose from if you're not a fan of Rose.

The Glowy Bronzer/Highlighter | Iconic London Kissed By The Sun Multi-Use Cheek Glow in Date Night (5g, £25, link)

You guys know how much I love a multi-purpose product and I fell head over heels for this much-hyped newbie from Iconic London. Yes, this was definitely one of those 'Instagram made me do it' moments and I have no regrets! These Kissed By The Sun Multi-Use Cheek Glows are insanely beautiful and I had a hard time choosing a favourite. In the end, I opted for Date Night which is the most perfect glowy bronzer-meets-highlighter for olive skin tones. This baby really pops against a summer tan! The powder compact is buttery soft and super blendable so you can apply a light dusting or go to town and layer it up for a more intense glow.

The It-Girl Aviators | Versace Aviator Sunglasses (gift from a friend)

Despite my ever-growing collection of sunglasses, I didn't actually own a pair of aviators until one of my good friends kindly gifted me this pair of Versace Aviator Sunglasses for my birthday last month. Since then, I've been wearing them all the time and I love how they go with pretty much every summer outfit imaginable. Smart and chic, they are one of those classics that never goes out of style so I know I'll be wearing these every summer until the end of time.

The Vintage Summer Bag | Jane Shilton Round Bag (charity shop find)

Quick confession, every year I hate the trend of those straw/wicker bags, mainly because I dislike the feel of them so much. Instead, I was on the hunt for a light-coloured small bag and found this beautiful vintage Jane Shilton bag in a local Oxfam charity shop for the bargain price of £6.99. The soft woven texture gives off beach vibes and the long strap can be worn across the body. One of my favourite purchases of the year so far!

What products are you currently loving?

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Currently Loving: Apostrophal Handmade Necklaces - Black Onyx, Moonstone & Azurite Malachite review

Pretty gemstone jewellery is a weakness of mine and I'm utterly smitten with these shiny new purchases from an indie online shop called Apostrophal.

I first came across Apostrophal on Instagram and they are a fairly new company, having started in 2020. They specialise in selling a quirky range of eco essentials and sustainable artisan handicrafts such as jewellery, plant pots, toiletries, bowls, candles, and kitchenalia. Through their online shop, they have created a community that helps to support independent makers and businesses, whilst offering ethical consumers a beautiful edit of handpicked products.

When I saw that they recently had a sale on, I couldn't help but have a good scroll through their site when I was shopping for a friend's birthday gift. As always though, a couple of additional items may have somehow made their way into my shopping basket (I honestly don't know how that happened...oops..),  and I'm now the proud owner of some new handmade necklaces.

Black Onyx Juliet Necklace

Onyx has been a favourite of mine for a very long time and I have a small collection of black Onyx pieces that I cherish in my jewellery box. Symbolising strength and perseverance, Onyx comes from the Greek word of the same name meaning 'claw', 'nail' and veined gem so you can see why it has an established history with the concept of strength in more ways than one. 

Handmade by one of Apostrophal's handpicked artisans Adeline, this necklace features a high-quality black Onyx gemstone in a square open bezel setting. With a multi-faceted surface, it captures the light beautifully. Looks stunning worn on its own or layered with other gold chained necklaces.

Moonstone Lunar Necklace

The moon has held great significance for many cultures and generations as human beings have looked up into the sky to question the meaning of life and what our place is in the universe. In turn, the Moonstone gem represents a connection to the divine feminine, linking the moon with cyclical changes, fertility, hope, and new beginnings. 

Composed of a lunar-shaped smooth white moonstone, if you look carefully, you'll see a protective Eye engraved into the stone itself. Also made by the artisan Adeline, this unique necklace is a sublime statement piece.

Azurite Malachite Necklace

My last pick is this captivating Azure Malachite. I'll have to admit that whilst I was already familiar with the meanings of the gemstones above, it was simply the beguiling colour of Azure Malachite that made me choose this piece of jewellery. 

I was pleased to discover that Azure Malachite is not just a pretty gem. It's linked to restoring Chakra balance, invoking calm feelings, and a reduction in anxiety, as well as being seen to drawing out negative energies from the body. For those interested in the concept of an 'ego death', it's believed that Malachite can help to dissolve egocentric personality traits such as arrogance. Interesting!

Shop at apostrophal.com

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Home Style: 5 Easy Ways To Add Colour To Your Home Without Redecorating

Add some colour to your home with a few tips and tricks, and you can update your favourite rooms in no time at all without ever needing to redecorate or paint another wall! Here are my top five snippets of home style advice:-

(1) Choose A Statement Piece Of Artwork

If you have a plain wall in your living room or bedroom that looks too bland and boring for your liking, hanging a large piece of artwork on a canvas can instantly add colour and it's an easy way to express your personal tastes and show off a beautiful piece of art at the same time. Measure the space first and then choose a piece accordingly, or opt for several smaller canvasses and create a bespoke rainbow of art along the wall instead.

(2) Tell The Time With a Colourful Clock

Clocks are a fun way to present colour in any room and depending on which shade you go for, they can perfectly complement any existing colour scheme that you already have. For example, if you have an on-trend grey kitchen, adding an eggshell blue coloured clock will liven up a wall, or choose a vintage-esque, deep red clock to fit a warmer colour palette in the lounge like this one from Roger Lascelles which is on sale via Lionshome.

(3) Add Colour To The Sofa Or Bed

Many of us have sofas, beds and chairs in plain neutral shades, so feel free to add pops of colours with soft furnishings such as cushions and throws. These are easy to add throughout the home and are a brilliant budget-friendly way to update your living arrangements. You can even change them to reflect the seasons if you wish; pick light pastels for Spring, bright corals and pinks for Summer, rustic oranges and reds for Autumn and metallic golds and deep navy blues for Winter.

(4) Think Small

Decorate and jazz up shelves, coffee tables and any other surface areas with small colourful accessories like vases, mini glass cups and jugs, plant pots and ornaments. This option is ideal for those who don't want to be overwhelmed by big blocks of colours in their home, but still crave some beautiful colourful items to breathe life in certain rooms. Adding small accessories works particularly well in the bedroom, lounge and also in the kitchen where you can make themed and curated shelves of your favourite kitchenalia. I found some stylish and affordable pieces on Lionshome.

(5) You Don't Have To Go Too Bright

A lot of people are wary about including bright colours in their home, so you can opt for more subtle shades from the pastel family instead - think baby pinks, light blues, pale mint greens, and even more subtle shades of yellow, or choose darker hues such as navy blues, deep purples, emerald greens and burgundy reds. They can look just as eye-catching as brighter colours and you can seamlessly style them to fit within and enhance your existing colour schemes. 

*This post has been written by me, in collaboration with Lionshome.co.uk

What ways do you like to add colour to your home?

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Holiday Style: Summer 2019 Trends Wishlist #AD

Shopping for new holiday outfits is almost as fun as booking the holiday itself, so I've put together a wishlist based on some of Summer's biggest fashion trends this year to give you a little shopping inspo on this rainy Bank Holiday Monday. 

(1) The Timeless Straw Bag - Hit the beach with this Classic Straw Shopper Bag (£20, link) which features a vintage-esque straw body and tan handles. Straw bags like this are popular every Summer as they have a wonderful timeless charm about them, so they never really go out of fashion!

(2) The Bold Striped Jumpsuit - Jumpsuits have made a big comeback again and I love the bold pattern of this Multi-Stripe Button Through Jumpsuit (£49, link). Super flattering and easy to wear, just add flip flops for a casual look or dress it up with heels for a dinner date.

(3) The Classic Black Jumpsuit - If you want to keep it simple and still get on in on the jumpsuit trend, opt for an all-black number like this Black Button Through Jumpsuit (£45, link) instead. Like the Straw Bag, this is one of those capsule wardrobe favourites that you'll end up wearing all the time!

(4) The Vegan-Friendly Sandals - Vegan shoes are becoming easier and easier to find nowadays, and these Kendra Toepost Sandals (£10, link) are an absolute bargain for only a tenner! The black faux-leather straps and gold chain detailing will go with every dress you wear this Summer.

(5) The Hot Pink Maxi Dress - I love maxi dresses and this hot Pink Vest Maxi Dress (£20, link) looks particularly flattering on olive, tanned and darker skin tones. The tie-in waist adds a cinched-in structure to your silhouette too.

(6) The Bright Graphic Print Maxi Dress - Inject some extra colour into your holiday wardrobe with a bright Stripe Print Maxi Dress (£29, link) in this on-trend graphic style. Flattering for all your curves, the floaty fabric makes you feel like a million dollars!

(7) The Rose-Tinted Sunglasses - Another key Summer trend this year that has a classic vintage vibe, are these ultra-cool Cat Eye Sunglasses (£12, link) with rose-tinted lenses. The nude-light mocha frames also ensure that they'll perfectly compliment all of your holiday outfits.

Shop online for all of these items and more at JDWilliams.co.uk

What's on your holiday wishlist this year?

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Eco-Style: 5 Easy Ways To Reduce Your Impact On The Planet Every Day #ZeroWaste

Reducing your personal impact on the environment can seem like an overwhelming concept at first, but with a couple of clever swaps, you can help change your daily habits into a more sustainable way of living. Plus, you'll save money in the long run!

Here are 5 easy and simple zero waste tips to get you started:-

 Tip 1: Swap Single-Use Plastic Bottles For ONE Reusable Bottle

Do you buy a bottle of water or a soft drink to have with your lunch at college/Uni/work? Why not invest in a reusable bottle instead? Not only are you cutting down on your plastic waste, but it'll work out a lot cheaper in the long term. There are lots of different brands of reusable bottles to choose from and I've been enjoying carrying around my Hydratem8 Insulated Water Bottle* (£19.99, link) which comes in a range of colours and designs, including this gorgeous floral Sweet Pea print that's perfect for Spring! It has a 500ml capacity and is made from professional grade, thermal insulated stainless steel, so it'll keep drinks hot for up to 18 hours, or cold for up to 30 hours.  

 Tip 2: Prep Your Own Lunch & Choose Plastic-Free Snacks

It can be tempting to want to purchase your lunch out every day, but not only is this expensive, there's also all of that single-use packaging waste to deal with, most of which can't or doesn't get recycled. Prep your own lunches at home and save yourself around £25-30 a week - easy! With the money that you've saved, you can buy a reusable lunchbox instead that will last you for years to come. IKEA has some very affordable glass options (from £2, here) with different lids (the bamboo ones are great) that can also be used to heat food up in the oven, as well as storing food in the fridge and freezer.

Don't forget your snacks too - ditch the plastic wrapped variety and pop an Apple or Banana into your bag instead for a healthy, zero waste option.

 Tip 3: Say No To Disposable Cutlery and Straws

Every day, millions of plastic straws and cutlery across the UK are thrown away after lunch is over and whilst the EU has recently voted to ban these items by 2021 in a bid to get rid of unnecessary single-use waste, it's unclear at this stage as to when a ban would come into force in the UK due whatever the hell happens with Brexit. Get a head start by keeping a set of cutlery and a reusable straw in your bag. Bambu do a brilliant range of cutlery that's made from sustainable bamboo (my chopsticks, for example, are £1.50, link), and reusable stainless steel straws are popping up everywhere on the high street or you can purchase some online (EcoStrawz have a large range here).

 Tip 4: Always Carry A Reusable Bag With You

Most of us already do this, but I wanted to include it as a reminder as I see so many people on social media say that they've forgotten to bring their reusable bags with them when they've popped into town. Fold one or two up and tuck them into your handbag so that you've always got one with you and stick a few in your car door too for any impromptu trips to the supermarket.

Tip 5: Use Your Local Library

I've seen a lot of zero waste posts online lately that are heavily focused on reducing plastic waste, so I've decided to round off this particular post with something different. I'm an avid reader as many of you who follow me on Goodreads will know, and I've gotten back into the habit of using my local library to borrow books instead of buying them. The main reason was to save money at first and when I actually thought about how often I re-read a book, it just makes a lot of sense to borrow them instead. This way you also help to support your local community by keeping public services open, and it's better for the environment too. 

Do you already do all of these?

What are your daily zero waste tips?

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Mother's Day Gift Ideas: Newbridge Silverware - Amy Huberman Jewellery review + UK GIVEAWAY!

Mother's Day is fast approaching and if you're still searching for that perfect gift, why not check out these beautiful jewellery pieces from Newbridge Silverware?

Established in 1934, Newbridge Silverware has been a revered name in silver and tableware, especially in their home country of Ireland. The brand has become synonymous with fine creativity, craftsmanship and quality, but did you know that they also have a wide range of jewellery available too?

Below are some eye-catching and stylish pieces from their new Amy Huberman collection (inspired by the Sun, Moon and Stars), to treat your mum to this Mother's Day.

 Newbridge Silverware Amy Pendant* (£34, link)

Detailed coin-style necklaces have always appealed to me as they have a timeless Boho-esque charm to them, and the Amy Pendant is something that can be worn every day. Featuring an embossed detail of Sun, Moon, Stars and Birds at the centre and presented on a delicate long chain, this pendant is 14K Gold-plated and has a protective anti-tarnish layer to keep it looking its best for longer.

Newbridge Silverware Amy Bangle* (£34, link)

Keeping with the theme of being inspired by the Sun, Moon and Stars, Amy Huberman's signature Amy Bangle is a solid 14K Gold-plated band that's easy to slip on and off, and it looks great on its own as a statement piece or layered with other gold coloured jewellery. Like the pendant above, it features an embossed Sun design which is accentuated by two small Stars and a crescent Moon.

 Newbridge Silverware Amy Drop Earrings with Sun and Stars* (£26, link)

If your mum loves earrings, this special set of Amy Drop Earrings with Sun and Stars makes a lovely gift and has a really youthful vibe to them - they're particularly dazzling when the sunlight catches them! These earrings are also 14K Gold-plated and feature the same anti-tarnish layer as the other pieces in this collection, each of which is presented in its own light blue gift box.

UK GIVEAWAY!

To celebrate Mother's Day, I'm giving away a pair of the Newbridge Silverware Amy Drop Earrings with Sun & Stars (worth £26) to one lucky UK reader. To enter, just pop your details into the Rafflecopter below and a winner will be chosen at random next week - 02/04/2019 - good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Weekend Style: Men's Non-Leather Winter Shoes for Work and Play #Veganuary

A new year can often mean new shoes if your current ones have been worn out, so I've enlisted the help of one of my housemates to showcase two pairs of men's non-leather shoes from the online retailer Jacamo, which are perfect for work and play.

For Work: Brogue Chelsea Boots* (£35, link)

Brogue Chelsea Boots are such a classic style for men's shoes and their mature and sophisticated design lends themselves well to any kind of job that requires a smarter approach with a shirt and tie. That said, they're also popular amongst trendy/hipster circles when worn dressed down with a casual pair of black jeans at the weekend to the pub, making them an even more versatile shoe choice for your wardrobe.

These black Chelsea Boots are made from non-leather materials and feature a textile tan-coloured sole, yet have a comfortable and flexible leather-like look and feel to them, but without the expensive price tag. Affordable and stylish, they're available in men's UK sizes 7-12 with standard and wide fit options.

Dan says: "These boots are very comfortable and they definitely look the part for work - even the manager has complimented them! I'm also surprised by how affordable they are."

For Play: Reebok Trainers* (£55, link)

Over the years, more and more leading brands of popular sportswear have been utilising the versatility of man-made materials for their trainers, and it's now very easy to find non-leather alternatives online. Reebok is one such brand that has an excellent range available which are made from innovative textile-based materials. 

For example, the pair shown above features a shock absorbent EVA midsole cushion and have a rubberised sole grip that lets the user explore their surroundings with a comfortable and secure footing. Ideal for many outdoor activities from walking to beginner hiking, these Reebok Trainers are suited to those who are looking for a style of trainer that's more 'outdoorsy' than what you'd see in the gym, and the blue/grey colourway suits blue and dark blue jeans.

Dan says: I've always bought Reebok trainers because they're good quality and last a fair while. I also really like this particular style and they're incredibly comfortable to wear."

For more men's boots, shop the full range online at Jacamo.co.uk

What are your favourite brands of non-leather shoes?

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My Style: Comfy & Casual Christmas Day #OOTD

For me, Christmas Day is all about relaxing at home with some good food and drink, having Netflix on in the background playing some kind of Christmas movie, and catching up with friends and family.

I like to keep it all very low key and casual, with minimal fuss and zero stress, and my clothes always reflect this. Now is not the time for six-inch stilettos (let's save those for NYE) and itchy jumpers! If I had it my way, I'd probably be in a fluffy dressing gown or a onesie, but alas, with people coming over you have to make some kind of effort!

So I've put together the following comfy and casual Christmas Day outfit which is as close to being in PJs as one can get without actually being in PJs if you catch my drift! For this look, I've paired an oversized long Boyfriend Cardigan in a festive Wine Red colour with an oversized Christmas print T-Shirt. I like to wear thin layers when I'm at home as opposed to thicker jumpers and knits for outside wear, so these two are perfect. 

The cardigan has cute pearlescent buttons which add a nice touch of detail to it and best of all, it has pockets - yay! I'm definitely one of those people that appreciate pockets and I wish more clothes had them. I picked this up in a size 10 for a big oversized fit (for reference I'm a size 8) which is super comfy and so easy to just throw over any outfit; I can see myself wearing this a lot in Spring instead of a coat outside.

My friends and family are very much into festive Christmas jumpers and things like that, so I decided to opt for this boyfriend fit Ho Ho Ho T-Shirt, but I didn't quite realise how big it was going to be - I got it in a size 10 and it's massive! Needless to say, the slouchy, oversized style goes well with the overall comfy theme I was going for and the material is really nice and soft, plus the Reindeer print is adorable!

Ah leggings, is there anything better to wear if you can't wear PJs?! These ones from Adidas are the most comfortable pair that I own and they have a cool mesh inset design at the back which gives them a sporty finish. The thicker high-waistband is very flattering and there's enough stretch to accommodate some Christmas food indulgence (you guys know what I mean!). I love wearing these for Yoga, HIIT and Pilates too.

One thing that I've never understood about relaxing at home is when people keep their shoes on - I just don't get it! I either prefer kicking back in a thick pair of socks or better still, wearing some seriously cosy slippers. This pair is from Accessorize and they have an Ugg-style suedette look with soft faux fur to keep your feet warm and toasty all Winter long. I'm never taking them off!

Comfy & Casual Christmas Day OOTD details:-

Hat - Accessorize (old)

Boyfriend Cardigan* (£20, link)

Ho Ho Ho Boyfriend T-Shirt* (£10, link)

Adidas ID Mesh Leggings* (£28, link)

Accessorize Suedette Mule Slippers* (£15, link)

Special thanks to Fashionworld.co.uk for collaborating with me for this post :)

What are you planning to wear on Christmas Day?

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Christmas Gift Guide: Gemstone Silver Jewelry Moonstone Rings review

Jewellery is always a popular choice for Christmas gifts, and this year, the trend for semi-precious jewellery is bigger than ever, so it's the perfect time to pick out some statement pieces.

When I was younger, I used to buy a lot of my jewellery from high street shops like New Look and H&M, but the older I get, the more I want to invest in better quality pieces with real gemstones. Some of my favourite pieces are vintage finds that I've discovered in flea markets, charity shops and the occasional auction house, and whenever I look for 'new' jewellery, I tend to gravitate towards styles that have an 'old' feel about them. 

The same goes for when I'm purchasing jewellery as a gift - I think there's something so wonderfully timeless about a classic looking piece that someone will cherish for many years to come, and I was particularly excited when Gemstone Silver Jewelry asked if I'd like to review some of their rings. One look at their website and I was smitten!

Gemstone Silver Jewelry is a US online retailer who specialises in Moonstone jewellery and they have a strong bohemian and vintage-esque style that I love (they also have a whole range of healing chakra jewellery which looks amazing, so it's well worth checking out). They kindly let me choose some rings to review and they are absolutely beautiful!

From top to bottom:

Moonstone Ring Azure Drop* ($37, link)

All of Gemstone Silver Jewelry's natural rainbow moonstones are ethically sourced from around the world, and the Azure Drop Ring is striking enough to be worn as a statement piece, but also small enough that it can be layered with other rings (such as midis etc) if desired. Set in 925 sterling silver, it's available in a range of different sizes.

Moonstone Ring Shielded Beauty* ($47, link)

The Shielded Beauty Ring is inspired by ancient Hindu jewellery designs and features an intricate display of 925 sterling silver that embraces a natural round rainbow moonstone at its centre. I quite like wearing this one on its own and it's received many compliments from family and friends.

Moonstone Ring Dreamy Teardrop* ($51, currently on sale for $33, link)

Embrace your inner hippy goddess with this boho classic - an eye-catching large Dreamy Teardrop Ring! I've always wanted a ring like this, and the sheer quality of both the sterling silver setting and the teardrop shaped moonstone is even better than I expected. The large moonstone really catches the light and reflects an enchanting spectrum of silver, blue and purple hues.

Moonstone Ring Neat Enticement* ($47, link)

Perfect for stacking, the Neat Enticement Ring is another sterling silver, classic boho-inspired style of ring, and its smaller size is ideal for those who enjoy layering their jewellery to compliment their outfit. I find this one so easy to wear because it just seems to go with everything!

Discover the full range at Gemstone Silver Jewelry

Do you like receiving jewellery for Christmas?

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Currently Loving: oNecklace Evil Eye Necklace review #PersonalisedJewellery

Jewellery is something that I love to gift to friends and family, whether it's for their Birthdays or a big celebration like Christmas, and I often jump at the chance if there's an option to personalise it. It turns an already lovely gift into something extra special and thoughtful!

Judging by the number of people that I know who cherish their personalised jewellery, I'm not alone in appreciating this concept, so I was over the moon when oNecklace got in touch with me to ask if I'd like to review one of their pieces of jewellery.

oNecklace is an online retailer who specialise in high-quality, personalised jewellery and they have a huge range of products to choose from in a variety of materials such as Sterling Silver, 24K Gold Plated, Rose Gold and Cubic Zirconia. There are rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and jewellery sets, all of which can be personalised from a selection of options, and they're a popular go-to site for Carrie style name necklaces.

After a good browse through their website, I decided to choose the Evil Eye Necklace because I've been wanting one of these for a while now. The 'Evil Eye' is an ancient concept that crops up in many different cultures around the world, especially in West Asia and usually has the same meaning. It's often described as a "curse or legend believed to be cast by a malevolent glare, usually given to a person when they're unaware to cause them misfortune or injury".

To ward off this unsuspecting 'Evil Eye', people wear talismans that are decorated with some kind of eye insignia to protect them. Wearing an eye is almost like saying 'I'm watching you back, so don't glare at me!", and I've always liked the idea of this, despite not being much of a superstitious person myself. 

The necklace arrived carefully packaged in a gift box and it looks even better in real life than it did online on the website. I love it!

I chose to have the Evil Eye Necklace personalised in a number of ways and I'm thrilled with the final result. First, I chose the material as Sterling Silver (you can also choose to have this design in 24K Gold Plated or Rose Gold), the chain length as 18", the chain itself to be a 'box' chain, and finally, I added my Birthstone Alexandrite to be the centre of the eye which I feel goes really well with the Silver.

It's an eye-catching (see what I did there?!) piece of jewellery and I've had plenty of compliments and questions about it since I started wearing it. Will it protect me from the glare of the 'evil eye'? Only time will tell ;)

oNecklace Evil Eye Necklace* retails for £30.76 from onecklace.co.uk

Do you like personalised jewellery?

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Home Decor: INFINI London Pink Roses review

Fresh flowers are one of life's little luxuries and a beautiful way to decorate your home, but if you've ever been disappointed by how long they last, INFINI London offer an interesting alternative option.

When I can afford to, I love buying fresh flowers. There's just something so satisfying about bringing home a bouquet, trimming the stems and arranging them in a vase - I'm sure I was a florist in a previous life! However, watching the flowers wilt and wither over the next couple of days is always depressing, and I've never personally liked the plastic gaudiness of fake flowers. 

So what's a girl to do?

Whilst searching for alternatives to fake plastic flowers, I came across INFINI London who specialise in real roses that last up to a year. I know it sounds cliché but roses are one of my favourite flowers, as they always remind me of the rose garden that my grandparents used to tend to near their retirement home. I have many fond memories of running around the garden as a young child, often stopping to breathe in that classic floral fragrance (this is also why I still love rose-scented beauty products!), admiring the delicate structures of the petals and appreciating the various hues of red and pink.

Presented in various gift-appropriate ways (the Signature Black Cube box is shown above), INFINI's roses are picked and cut at their most prime state, and each one is carefully treated with a special eco-friendly solution which perfectly preserves them in all their glory for up to a year.

When the box above arrived, I was absolutely enthralled by how perfect these pink roses are. The preservation treatment is truly outstanding as they have managed to maintain their delicate petals and structure, and even their natural rose scent is still detectable - my mind is blown as to how they do this!

With no watering required and only a light dusting needed every once in a while, you can place these INFINI roses anywhere in your home, making sure to avoid exposure to direct sunlight and high humidity so that they stay in tip-top condition. They are so beautiful and would make a wonderful housewarming gift. 

P.S Although INFINI recommends that you don't remove the roses from their box, I couldn't resist picking one up to provide a better close-up photo!

INFINI London Signature Black Cube Pink Roses* (£59, link)

Have you ever bought any preserved flowers like this?

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